Transgender Day of Remembrance

It’s been a very busy beginning of November and I am looking forward to the happy events coming up in December. In the meantime, I would like to share some thoughts about Trans Day of Remembrance which takes place in hundreds of locations around the globe on or around November 20 each year (details on the Colorado observance below).

Trans Day of Remembrance was founded in 1998 to memorialize people who have been murdered due to transphobia. As a person who is transgender and has many trans-friends, I feel especially dedicated to the eradication of transphobia and the honoring of those who have been killed for being themselves. My hope is that each person who reads this can look into their heart at the prejudices they hold and work to find ways to turn those prejudices into honest questions and open minds.

Transgender equality protects anyone who does not fall into the societal “norm” regarding gender expression — that includes flamboyant gay men and butch women. Looking out for our trans brothers and sisters helps us to be a more cohesive, safe, and loving community. Please educate yourselves and educate your loved ones to treat everyone you meet with love and compassion.

Below is a link to a guide we at Keshet put together with suggestions, prayers, text study, and other ways we as Jews can mark this important day. Take a look, share with your friends, family, congregation, and community. And as always, please share your thoughts and questions with us.

A Jewish Guide to Marking Transgender Day of Remembrance
Readings for Services
I Am: Trans People Speak, Videos from Transgender Jews and Allies
Rabbinical Testimony in Support of Transgender Equal Rights and Sermons
Text Study: “Gender Diversity in Jewish Sacred Texts”
Ways to Take Action in Your Community

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